August 29, 2024

Ohio clean energy projects continue to face fossil fuel-funded opposition, investigation shows

Columbus, OH  — A recent investigation by Energy News Network and a report by the Energy and Policy Institute highlight The Empowerment Alliance’s extensive and deceptive practices to stifle renewable energy development in Ohio. 

Since the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 52, allowing local renewable energy bans, the Ohio Power Siting Board has given local sentiment around a proposed solar development significant weight. Last week, the Ohio Power Siting Board completed an evidentiary hearing for Frasier Solar development in Knox County. During this hearing, testimony from a local opposition group revealed its work had been significantly supported by agents of The Empowerment Alliance — support that included funding, information, and a dinner meeting. 

This is not the first time such practices have been employed in Ohio. Over the past few years, it was revealed The Empowerment Alliance previously pushed the Ohio legislature to declare natural gas as “green energy” and Murray Energy, a coal company, paid for the legal fees of local intervenors opposing a proposed offshore wind project in Lake Erie.

 

The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director of Energy Policy, for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC):

“Recent reports have revealed fossil fuel special interests are not only spreading misinformation, they are once again manipulating governmental processes designed to facilitate public engagement in renewable energy projects. 

“The Ohio Power Siting Board has given local sentiment around proposed solar developments significant weight when deciding whether a project is in the public interest. As we’ve seen in Knox County, a group with ties to The Empowerment Alliance has attempted to sway public opinion to oppose the project. At a time when Ohio is facing concerns about electric reliability, this gas industry dark money group is pushing to stop much-needed energy development in Ohio. 

“The evidence unveiled in the Frasier Solar hearing poses additional questions. Who else in Knox County has the fossil fuel industry influenced behind the scenes? If the fossil fuel industry wants to oppose solar projects, they should intervene in the cases at the Ohio Power Siting Board and present their case in the open.”

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Contact:
Emily Bacha
media@theoec.org or 614-487-5837